Design Trend: Tile and Pattern

What’s hot in tile trends these days? Subway tiles aren’t going out of style, and they aren’t going anywhere soon. Fortunately, they are one of those styles that come back in every few decades, and it’s described as fresh and classic all over again. Like every classic, there’s a new twist on every repeat. The ideas this time include beveled subway tiles (see my client’s new kitchen here), colored grout, and glass tiles.

beveled subway tile for kitchen remodel

 

In fact, subway tiles are probably here to stay for a bit longer because we are finally, finally, finally moving away from stainless steel. Yay! The new trend? Graphite. Right, it might not seem like a huge shift, but they will be easier to care for.

graphite appliances replace stainless steel

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I wish, as do most designers, that colorful enamel appliances would make a comeback, but they are still just for the adventurous. If your appliance is this flashy, then you’re going to want to balance it with a calm, classic look like subway tile. You can find this blue baby at Queen Appliance. 

designer blue stove

With such great appliances in neutrals like stainless steel and graphite, the hot trend right now in tile and faux tile is Moroccan patterns, also called trellis or ironwork patterns. This is usually an all-over repeating design that has the lightness and curves of decorative ironwork. Stenciled patterns work well as an alternative to more expensive tile when painted on backsplash areas and stair risers, as well as all over treatments like walls and floors.

Also very trendy, large bold graphic floor tiles (also used places besides floors), sometimes referred to as encaustic tiles. Technically encaustic refers to the fabrication method, but I’ve seen people refer to the bold patterns as “encaustic,” and you’ll see the term encaustic cement, although this does not technically exist.

blue ironwork background

Afraid to make the commitment? You can find tile stickers to give your boring tile the boost of color.

I hate to tell you, but chevron pattern are out. That was a hot flash in the pan. Glass penny tiles are always gorgeous, but you won’t see them in real homes, much. Too much grout to keep clean.

glass penny tile trend

Real pennies-as-tiles can be beautiful, and give you the snazziness of copper for…well…pennies.

penny tile counter

What tile designs are you crushing on this spring?